PAD Mission India: Saving Legs and Lives

Want to join us in making a difference? We are raising money to benefit THE WAY TO MY HEART INC's Mission PAD program, and any donation will help make an impact. The first mission is in India this spring so time is of the essence to raise enough funds to execute the project effectively. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to us and the patients it impacts.

The Way To My Heart's mission is to democratize access to timely, effective life and limb-saving care through personalized education, high-touch advocacy, and real-time support. We have made a significant impact in developed countries around the world as evidenced by our involvement in every major PAD meeting, aggressive patient support, physician referral network, and awareness campaigns. To further broaden our reach on a global scale, we are introducing the Global Mission P.A.D. Team. This dedicated team is specifically designed to enhance accessibility to advanced medical care in clinics that may lack sufficient staff and resources for limb salvage procedures.

Mission PAD Website: https://www.thewaytomyheart.org/mission-p-a-d

Mission PAD, India Project Introduction:

India is known to have the highest burden of cardiovascular disease in the world according to an article in the Lancet in 2023. Due to the population’s poor access to primary and preventative healthcare, carbohydrate-rich diet, high hip-to-waist ratio, and genetic propensities, the rate of diabetes and coronary disease are higher than other nations of comparable wealth and greater. Due to its limited resources, though India’s prosperity is ever increasing, it is unable to meet the rising demands of its healthcare sector and certain disease entities are going overlooked. One such disease is Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), and its most advanced stage, Chronic Limb Threatening Ischemia (CLTI).

PAD is the presence of cholesterol based plaque in the arteries outside of the heart. CLTI is when said blockages, particularly localized in the lower limbs, have advanced to the point of a severe lack of circulation and resultant wound development. These wounds generally do not heal and end up requiring amputation of the limb. Untreated CLTI has a 5 year mortality of > 60% which is more deadly than all cancers aside from those of the lung. This very aggressive and malignant disease is relatively unknown and untreated in India. Given India’s burden of disease and population, treatment of and education about this disease will be incredibly impactful making this project an integral pursuit for those passionate about care for their fellow human.

Mission PAD Project Outline:

Endovascular (non-surgical, minimally invasive) treatment of PAD and CLTI at CKS Hospital Jaipur located in the city of Jaipur, India free of charge using advanced endovascular techniques and tools.

Mission PAD Project Goals:

Provide high-quality care, free of charge, to the local population including procedures and medications for secondary prevention. Arrange adequate follow up care to ensure continue health maintenance. Arrange and host educational symposiums for local physicians on PAD, CLTI, appropriate screening, and treatment.

Fundraising goals:

All monies donated will be used for project-specific expenses only. None of the proceeds will be going to physician volunteers, their travel, or housing. Physician volunteers are completely self-funded.

1) Funding of travel for support personnel (cath lab tech/nurse volunteers).

2) Shipment of tools and equipment to India

3) Pre and post-operative medications

4) Post-operative follow up care

Join us on this mission! Every dollar helps! Let's save life and limb together!

More information about THE WAY TO MY HEART INC: Our mission is to save life and limb for patients suffering from a disease more prevalent and deadlier than all cancers combined, except lung cancer. 3 in 5 heart attack sufferers have Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), blocked arteries in mainly the legs which restricts blood flow. We are on the frontlines with patients daily removing logistical and financial barriers to getting care, offering education, high touch advocacy, and real-time support, which includes covering copays & transportation.